Sunderland ‘did not reject’ Government’s devolution deal – Council leader speaks out in face of criticism

Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson has hit back at claims the authority has rejected a devolution deal worth millions.
Last month, the Government’s Northern Powerhouse proposals were scrapped after four of the seven North East councils – including Sunderland - voted against the deal to boost job creation and transport powers.
The collapse of the deal raised fears it could leave the city trailing behind other local authorities in the North East after it was revealed Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland are to try for their own joint deal.
Both the Conservative and Liberal... read more

Related news

City councillors have given the green light to a historic £1.5bn devolution deal.
Newcastle City Council agreed on Wednesday to pursue the creation of a North East Combined Authority- similar to that in Manchester and Liverpool.
The proposal, which...

AN £87million deal to help create 9,000 jobs and get key projects off the ground in Sunderland has been agreed by Government.
Sunderland City Council has agreed the “City Deal” with Ministers and civil servants which will include the creation of a new...

Durham MPs have called on on councillors to reject a multi-billion pound devolution deal for the North East as councils prepare for crunch talks next month.
Six County Durham MPs have signed a letter sent to 96 Labour members of Durham County Council...

The decision by Gateshead Council to reject the devolution deal as it stands has stunned many across the region.
Some fear it could mean Gateshead will be left isolated if the other six councils which make up the North East Combined Authority (NECA)...

The Government has insisted it will try to press ahead with a devolution deal for the North East even if some councils drop out.
In a statement issued after Gateshead rejected plans for a mayor-led Combined Authority, the Department for Communities...

0 Have your say Plans for the north east’s first directly elected mayor have been scrapped and the relevant legislation withdrawn.
Four of the seven North East Combined Authority councils had earlier decided to halt plans amid fears over post-Brexit...